What are the names for the different full moons through the year?

A:

Quick Answer

Commonly used names of full moons include the Wolf Moon in January, the Worm Moon in March, the Buck Moon in July, the Harvest Moon in September and the Hunter’s Moon in October. Native Americans named the full moons to help keep track of the seasons.

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The Wolf Moon was named for the hungry howling wolves that stalked Indian villages in the winter cold. The full moon in January is also known as the Moon After Yule.

The full moon in March is called the Worm Moon because earthworms appear as temperatures warm and the ground begins to thaw, signaling the coming of spring. Some tribes call it the Crow Moon because the cawing of crows marks the end of winter.

July’s full moon is called the Buck Moon because antlers begin to appear on the foreheads of bucks. It is also known as the Full Thunder Moon because of July’s frequent thunderstorms.

September’s full moon is the closest to the autumn equinox and is called the Harvest Moon because crops were harvested under its bright light. It is also known as the Corn Moon because corn was the main crop being harvested.

The full moon in October is called the Hunter’s Moon because it marks the time to hunt and slaughter animals to preserve their meat for the long winter ahead. It is also sometimes called the Blood Moon or Sanguine Moon.